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Garry Wilson burst through the door. With a folded piece of paper in hand clenched tightly in his fist, he descended upon the small man on the desk.
"Yer trying to ruin this club! I won't stand for this!"
The man at the desk was small, a thinly man but he did not flinch. His appearance gave him the look of a business man in his late 50s, but infact, Len Smith was already well into his 60s. A tricky yet shrewd shipping man, he was known not only for his stubborness but also his ultra-conservative grip on money. Though, unfortunately, the shipping agency had moved on with technology, and dear old shrewd Len Smith hadn't moved with the times. His conservative side wasn't only on money, but all change.
"How'd you expect us to compete when you give me no funds? Yer sitting on yer money and ya just have stick yer head out of that bum of yours!"
Len Smith's cold, hard look never batted an eye as Garry Wilson continued his long winded rant over "money", "tranfers", and various other topics sandwiched into an extremely large vocabulary of obsenities. Folding his hands together on his desk, Len watched as this man, who had transformed from an optimistic, kindly old man to a tired, wrinkled shadow of his former confident self. Calmly, Len waited for a moment of silence and spoke.
"We don't have the finacial support for these risky ventures you intend to bring to our club. Eastbourne Borough, while small, is a very important part of this community and these rollercoaster rides with money is not only impossible due to our lack of funds, but determental to our club. We can't risk a fall back into the depths while we are so close to league football. Now, can I ask you, Garry, can you get the job done this year?"
"This is ********! You know full well that no one could get this job done. I'm the best manager you've had, I've been here for you, thick and thin when every other blasted manager in these parts turned you down. But even I am just as good as any damn man out there on the street if I am not supported!"
"You are not leaving me much grounds to support you any futher."
"Go ahead then, see who will follow my footsteps. I'm through, and you can thank me later when your next manager walks out on you!"
"I appreciate and sincerely thank you for your time here, Garry."
"******** to you!"
And with that, Garry tossed the now crumpled up paper at the general direction of Len Smith, spun around and in a blustering, stomping pace smashed his way out of the small office. As the door slammed, Len Smith sighed, pulled his self up in his seat and began to think. The new season was coming up and he needed a replacement.
---
The young secretary hurriedly carried the platter holding Len Smith's afternoon tea. He was obviously in a bad mood, and it was important to enter quickly and leave even faster.
"Not a damn response, not a damn one," Len cursed toward the secretary but obviously more to himself. As much as he loved the club, he would not allow his own pride to be damaged by the downfall. With little talent, and an even small budget, the club was at it's peak just outside of the English official league football. A dream that seemed so far away was now in reach yet still light years away. With the current squad, relagation and another deep downfall into the English football was a very possible outcome in the next few years, but Len Smith guarunteed himself not to be the blame.
And then he had it.
As the secretary began to make for the door, Len stopped her with a hand.
"Go out and find me the first person you see with any football knowledge, and bring them here."
---
Looking up toward the street sign, Michael Hall glanced confusingly. 29 and he couldn't find himself out of a small town. Obviously lost, he sighed, took the map out of his side pocket and unfolded the map. The map didn't help any, and Michael conceded to his hopelessly lost cause. A European vacation, they said, it would be wonderful, they said. A way to forget about that messy divorce, that unjust firing, and a way to relieve stress. Well, the stress was back and it was in form of being lost somewhere deep in Southern England in a city called Eastbourne.
Tossing down his backpack, Michael plopped down on the curb. Pulling out yet another map(he had three of various kinds, yet all gave him little to no clear information of where the heck he was) and began to somehow trace a line in a futile attempt to point out his whereabouts.
"Excuse me."
A soft voice, a young woman, probably mid 20s startled Michael.
"I'm sorry...I probably can't be of much help, I'm kind of lost myself."
"Oh no, no, I just need am wondering, do you know anything about football?"
"Football? Yeah, been a fan for awhile. Love the Panthers."
This seem to confuse the young woman, and she flipped her fingers through his red, curly hair.
"Panthers? Well, if you don't mind, this is going to sound crazy, could you follow me?"
"Well, could you show me where the heck I am first, if you don't mind? I'm pretty damn lost."
"Sure, no problem, this should only take a minute..."
---
"So wait, you don't know me, I'm not from this country, and I know nothing about soccer yet you want me to manage your team?"
"For the last time, it's football, lad and yes. I am offering you a job and hearing your situation, this might be a great direction for you to go."
"But I know nothing about the sport, how can you expect me to be of any use?"
"Listen, only you and me know of your lack of knowledge and we'll keep in that way. Now, I'm paying you for a job you are obviously underqualified for, and I'm giving you my full support. You just have to keep this club afloat in time for me to find a new manager. I don't see how this is not in your favor."
"Alright, if it's temporary, I guess I could help out a little bit..."
"Good, I'm glad you finally see the light, now just sign here and I'll see you on Monday."
Michael Hall, still in a state of shock, picked up the pen and scribbled his name along the bottom.
"Now congratulations, Mr. Hall, you are now the new manager of the Eastbourne Borough Sports, now let's make them proud."
"Now quick question, where the heck am I going to stay?"
Michael Hall entered the very underwhelming grounds known as Priory Lane late in the afternoon on Monday. The players were already taking part in their early workout session and the mood of relaxation and fun was in the air. There was no pressure, as the bunch of obviously unfit players jogged up and down the pitch involved in various drills as coaches with no appearance of being a coach besides a whistle joked with the others.
"So, this is it?" Michael asked Len Smith in a quiet tone, hoping not to anger this man that had obviously poured his heart into the club. "I've seen middle school football teams with more discipline."
Len kept quiet to the remark, and just looked onto the team and pointed to the man with the whistle.
"That's Nick Greenwood, he will be your assistant." Len spoke as he pointed to the middle aged man, with a head well into the stages of balding and a face that didn't seem to care. "He'll give you a rundown of the squad."
---
"That there is Matt Smart," Nick gestured. "He's probably our best overall midfielder. Decent on the ball, can control the game."
"That's Stuart Tuck, stubborn bloke that guy, plays a solid fullback and probably the real leader among the players. Been around awhile at this level, you know? He's a garbage man, too."
"Yemi and Richard over there will probably be our best forwards this year," Greenwood smiled pointing to probably the two youngest looking players as they passed the ball back in forth. Yemi was one of the few players that looked in decent shape and determined but Richard looked just happy to be outside and carefree. "Haven't seen a young partnership here in awhile, high hopes for them, I think."
The players continued to go through their drills when a young kid, while small, he had a presence that the rest of the players seemed to respect. He dashed past the defender Michael now knew as Darren Baker(a big tough, but pretty poor skill wised player) and sent in a nice cross where Richard knocked past the sole keeper on the entire squad, Lee Hook.
"Who is that?"
"Oh, I was saving him for you. A real treat that lad is, Matt Crabb. He's got a future, best try to hold onto him as long as possible."
"I'll remember that." Michael Hall grabbed the new notebook from his jacket pocket and wrote down a few notes and tid bits he had learned from Greenwood, his last note he underlined. It simply read...
"They are awful."
---
With no money to buy players, a squad full of players with a lack of talent in a cutthroat league that was the Conference Sotuh, Michael finally grasped the situation he was in. Picking up the phone, he dialed the number Len Smith had given him in their last meeting. This man, Barry Greaves, the club's one and only scout's number was scribbled on the small note.
"I hope he knows some athletes with some free time..."
Nick Greenwood's feet tapping had gotten to a maximum level. It had begun tapping since the first mistake by the Eastbourne backline and hadn't stopped. It had gotten even worse after a blatant penalty by 32 year old Stuart Playford when he carelessly pulled down the visitor's striker in the penalty area after a cross. If Nick was already getting nervous now, Michael Hall could only fear what would happen if it wasn't a meaningless friendly.
The match was as one-sided as they come, even for a friendly. Eastbourne were on their back heels for a majority of the match as another team of nobodies ripped through their patchwork defense. Only a mere week since Michael had gained the managmenet job, he was already watching his clueless team follow his clueless tactics in a whole situation that could only be deemed as "hopeless."
The ever quiet, focused Yemi Odubade had actually gotten Nick Greenwood to the edge of the touchline when he made a dashing run but his shot hit the sidenet and Nick was forced to take the long gloomy walk to the bench to sit back down next to Michael.
"We are getting torn apart." Michael said seeking advice from his assistant.
"They'll come through, they are tough lads, just have faith."
Michael sighed, rested his head in his hands as he watched this team that didn't even seem to have any connection to him getting run off the field infront of the obviously overfaithful 76 fans that came out to watch their preseason friendly match.
---
After the squad left, Michael finally finished up his notes on the 2-0 loss that came delievered by the Harrow Boro squad. His team would need more than a little luck and some sort of tactic, that much he knew. While Michael knew he wasn't very knowledge with this "Football" sport, he knew changes would have to be made. He'd seen the effect he sought in sports from the United States, the "Big player syndrome" and then the idea occured to him.
A big change might just be the thing this club needs. He looked through the list of players scribbled on the third page of his notebook. Jotted next to their names was their overall skill and little notes on their different talents. Going through the list several times, he had to make a choice. Who could he give up, who could spark a complete change in the mindset? Who would raise eyebrows and show he meant business?
His eyes fell upon a name about halfway down the list. He circled it with his pencil and then closed the notebook.
---
The hotel phone rang, and Michael woke up his daydreaming state. Picking it up, he heard the still unfamilar voice of Barry Greaves, the loyal Eastbourne scout.
"I got two kids, young talents but they are looking for their first club and I think they could offer us alot. The thing is, it's a two package deal. They are cousins and their parents want them to play together."
"Well, I have to meet with Len today, but send them on down to practice tonight and let Nick take a look."
---
Nick called that night as Michael got out of the shower.
"These boys are good, real good. Phillip Gilder's got a lot of fight in him, young lad, too, only 17 and I seem his as a right winger. Got a nice foot on 'em, but he's pretty rough around the edge. Though, he seems like a tough kid."
"And what about Matty Warner?"
"Kid's good, no mistaken. He's got an attitude though, he's a little too much of a head case. Doesn't seem to respect the squad, if you know what I'm saying. And Crabb's got that left wing spot locked down, and I just don't see room for him with our tight budget. He ain't a player I think we should take."
"Well, ok, thanks, I'll talk to Len about this."
---
Nick Greenwood was excited to see a trio of young athletes join the Eastbourne squad. Phillip Gilder, Matty Warner, and Richard Holmes, a 23 year old fullback who arrived on a free transfer, joined up with the rest of the team for their next friendly against Canvey Island at Priory Lane. Canvey Island sat a league above Eastbourne, so not only would it be an ideal time to test these new blood, but just the thought of having depth in a very small squad pleased Nick.
As the players began the game, Nick sat quietly, a very unnatural, unansy self.
"Hey, Nick, if you want to say something, just spit it out."
"Well, you see, I just don't think the lads are going to take too kindly for a young blood coming in and challenging Matt. He's been considered the future for the club."
"I know that, trust me."
"I just love this club, and I'd give anything to watch it succeed. Crabb is vital, he's the best player we've seen in awhile. I wouldn't want to hurt his confidence."
"I know, Nick, I know."
---
All three of the new players factored into the friendly at Priory Lane, but the new surge of life into the club was still buried by a Canvey Island squad that was clearly much better. A wondergoal by Tom Williamson had Eastbourne limping into halftime and Eastbourne never recovered.
"It's only a friendly," Michael reassured Greenwood as another bad mistake by makeshift right back Danny Chapman went unpunished just after he was subbed on for the new boy, Richard Holmes.
This didn't help the worried face of Greenwood. That face, Michael optimistically assumed, he would see for a long time this coming up season, if he lasted that long, and at this point he didn't want to.
Another goal late in the second half sealed off the game and Eastbourne would leave the match with a slightly better performance as their only positive point out of the game.
---
As he headed for his short walk to the hotel, Michael Hall was caught by a running Nick Greenwood. Short of breath, he gathered it while resting a hand on Michael's shoulder then spoke in a huff.
"Look, mate, I'm sorry. I think Warner is a good signing, and I'm sure we can mold him into the squad somehow, I think him and Crabb might be able to play together."
"I'm just going to go ahead and say it then Nick. I don't think that's going to work out."
"Are we not going to sign Warner? Well, I hate to influence your choices, I mean, it's not my place, mate, but you know, I think you are making the right choice."
"You don't understand, Nick."
"Sorry, I guess I'm confused."
"We've just sold Matt Crabb to Chester for $4,000. Len is finishing off the paperwork now."
I must admit I feel I've been rude. I guess I should take the time to introduce myself as any good gentleman would do. My name is Narrator and well you can call me, uh, well, maybe you could just call me narrator and leave it at that.
It's been a few weeks since we lasted visited Michael Hall and "The Sports" of fighting Eastbourne Borough, and unfortunately, their fight hasn't been going their way. After the loss of Matt Crabb, worrying faces of the local players have increased as the club has obviously taken a venture far away from the "fun-loving" approach embraced by dear ol' Nick Greenwood, and the new professional vision of Michael Hall.
Why is Michael Hall so incredibly comfortable with this new situation is a question that I'm sure has been brought up alot, and I guess I should dwell on this a bit and pick up my slacking.
He was born and raised in a city called Hickory, North Carolina. The town's boast of a great furniture mart and a private college known as Lenoir-Ryan are the key fixtures of their advertisement brouchure. His mother, a nice, sweet young lady worked at the local hospital and his father, a tough, proud man worked a landscaping business that never seemed to get off the ground. After graduating high school, our little Michael left old Hickory behind and ventured out into the world where he finally found his love and passion in life at a school we all know well as University of North Carolina. He loved sports, but more importantly he loved the stats. He loved the numbers, and he loved the whole ideal of pitting numbers against numbers in search for victory. This led to his appointment as a "stat man" for the Tar Heels basketball and football teams over his course at the university. His years on Chapel Hill were perfect and as he left with his degree in economics and after yet another imacculate graduation he married that first sweetheart in his life.
But all good things come to an end, and well maybe the next part of this story is better suited for another time. I do seem to indulge too much in the story telling of others, it is a nasty habit if I do say so myself.
Now let's see what's going on down at Priory Lane.
---
Another loss, another "better" loss and yet even another "only a friendly loss" but Michael Hall feared he was starting to get used to this. Matt Crabb had sealed his transfer to Chester a week ago, and the team still looked at loss. The new blood injection had stopped for awhile as to Michael Hall's new realization. A lack of money for wages and an even bigger lack of interest of even playing anywhere near Eastbourne were starting to make it's effects clear.
Michael, in a futile attempt, began to care for the squad after they were ripped apart by Oxford County, a club that sat a huge two leagues above them in the great ladder known as the English football leagues. Loss after loss, despite being just friendlies, could be disheartening yet the players still came out after their variety of first jobs and showed up at practice every time. He didn't want to get attached, sadly enough, he had made that mistake in the past and it burned him, and he continued to tell himself that this was only temporary and just until Len Smith found a new, more capable mananager.
But this didn't stop Michael Hall from watching football training videos every night, and reading the various collections of "Tactics" and "Football for Dummies" books he embarassingly bought at the nearest bookstore.
"It's for a friend," he said.
---
It came out of nowhere.
Michael paced infront of the shambles of the squad, trying to figure out the exact words to say in this situation, though they seemed to all fade away into oblivion. The recent events, that merely happened twenty minutes ago rapidly repeated through his head.
He had been writing notes, watching the team practice a five on five drill as they usually did in their final, light-hearted end to every training session. The events were crystal clear. Ollie Rowland, a big talker and an even bigger clown pickpocketed the ball off Matty Warner. On his dribbling spree he ran, tried his routine of street tricks and managed to skip by Danny Marney, a young forward that loved to run. With only Phillip Gilder infront of him, Rowland attempted yet another trick he had obviously seen on "Skysports" but before he could make it by Gilder, it came.
Michael Hall winced.
Matty Warner flew in, a horrible tackle, smashing into the back legs of Ollie Rowland. It had come out of nowhere and Ollie could only yell in pain as he fell to the ground. He grasped at his leg, obviously in serious pain. The first one over was Ollie's brother, Simon, who was one of the several strikers on the squad. Grabbing Matty off the ground, he grasped him by the collar. With a shove Matty, pulled free but was met by a shove himself by Kevin Hemlsey, the twenty three, big but not too intelligent central defender. As Matty stumbled forward, the first swing came. The blow struck Warner in the jaw and he fell to the ground. Phillip Gilder, Matty's cousin who turned out to be a very quiet, focused player, sprung onto Simon and it all erupted.
---
The players had all left many hours ago, but Michael Hall still sat on the coaching bench staring out on Priory Lane.
"Us Eastbourne lads have some fight in us," Nick Greenwood said as he sat down next to Michael.
"How's Ollie?"
"Oh, it wasn't that serious, he'll be fine. Ray says he'll only be out three weeks."
"Good, so, who do we have next?"
"Two more friendlies left, two tough teams, too. Barnet, Leyton Orient, and then the season starts at Dorchester. We'll be ready."
Michael sat in silence as Nick got up and left. As he walked away, Michael Hall spoke.
"Look, Nick, I'm sorry. This whole thing was my fault. It wasn't my intention to rip this club apart."
"Ripped apart, mate? It was just a little scruffle, we'll be fine."
Nick began to walk away again but after a few week, Michael stood up.
"I'll pull us out of this, I promise you that, Nick. I won't let your club fall."
Nick stopped there, slowly turned, and gave a small, sad smile toward the young manager.
"Our club, mate, it might help if you remember that."
Well, I guess I've decided to make myself a regular appearance for this little journey. It's probably because I love to hear myself chatter on and on about our little heroes over down in Eastbourne. I'm not sure where I last left off but I distinctly remember a little "episode" on our fair, great venue of Priory Lane between the new boys; Our up and coming, confident Matty Warner seemed to find himself in a little trouble against the solid niche of the Eastbourne lads.
Well, let's see here, July has ended for Michael Hall and the club as the preseason friendlies have come to an end, and I must say, for you loyal Eastbourners out there, they put on quite a show. With a little tinker to get some more players some action, Nick Greenwood and Michael Hall put out a rather interesting selection and saw our brave Sports find the net for the first time against the professional Barnet squad and earning a credible draw by the score of 1-1. In almost a fluke goal, Richard Brady found himself on the end of a tap in after Scott Ramsey tried to chip it over the Barnet keeper but only patted it down for Brady.
Only three days later, the big boys of Leyton Orient came to Priory Lane for the final warm up game. After a very slow first half, Eastbourne found themselves matching up well against the Leyton Orient squad and actually took the lead with a Scott Ramsey tap in. Though, it wasn't meant to be as Leyton pegged them back late in the half, but all Eastbourners were left content with the 1-1 draw.
It was a respectable ending to a quiet preseason for our brave Sports as the new season was now just around the corner.
Well, that being said, I guess I should give you a rundown of Michael Hall's club, and as much as I hate to say it, we got a tough battle ahead.
Goalkeepers
We have a fine keeper in twenty-five year old Lee Hook and an even better person. He has a top attitude, he's professional and can make a spectacular save if called upon. He's the rock in our rockless squad and our attempt to avoid relegation will be hugely impacted by him. His backup is a young boy named Seb Barton. He is only 16 years old and has a long ways to go but if anyone can mold a top keeper at this level, we have faith in Lee Hook.
The Defenders
To say the least, our Eastbourne defense will probably have its' struggles this year. Despite a solid routinely sharp performer and leader at left-back as Stuart Tuck, and veterans such as Stuart Playford, the rest of the squad is young and inexperienced. There is hope though as 23 year old Kevin Hemsley looks promising and looks to be pushed in the center by old veteran Darren Baker and seventeen year old Rhys Wyborne. At right back, our Sports have seen two new additions in the signing of quiet, reserved 23 year old Richard Holmes, and the season-long loan from Premiership squad Portsmoth, Shaun Cooper. Paul Stevens and Ollie Rowland round off the defenders, and will probably not factor into most contest.
The Midfield
This is the spot of our club that could actually shine. While the defense will struggle, and the attackers have alot of question marks, this area shouldn't be a problem. Let's start with the obvious, Matty Warner is ambitious, confident and should be a big threat from the left wing and with him came his cousin; the much more quiet, but not less confident Phillip Gilder. These two young lads, aged 19 and 17 will be the focus point of the Eastbourne attack and rightfully so. In the center, veterans Stuart Myall and Matt Smart look to lead a very tough battling midfield and will be relied upon to control the game and send the ball out into the wings. Not alot of depth here as players but Danny Chapman who will be our utility man bouncing between the defense and midfield hopes to provide ample back up. The rest of the midfield is filled with two attacking playmakers in the forms of Danny Simmonds a veteran playmaker without any real physical skills and Danny Marney a player that has alot of potential but not the nessicary skills to play a full, well rounded game.
The Attack
While there isn't a shortage of strikers, there might be a shortage of goals. While, each player tends to do somethings well, not doing anything great. Yemi Odubade seems to have the physical abilities but lacks the killer instict. Richard Brady seems to have that killer instinct but lacks the "physical abilities". Scott Ramsey looks to be an actual goalscoring threat, but unfortunately that's all he might be able to do and the question will be if he can do it on a regular basis. Simon Rowland rounds off the striking force.
The Squad: Overview
Note: All players are English.
I = On Loan
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Name Position AgeLee Hook GK 25Seb Barton GK 16[color=blue]Shaun Cooper DR 20Richard Holmes DR 23Stuart Tuck DC 29Darren Baker DC 29Kevin Hemlsey DC 23Stuary Playford DC 32Rhys Wyborne DC 17Paul Stevens D/M L 38Ollie Rowland D/M LC 21Danny Chapman D/M C 29Stuart Myall M RC 29Matt Smart MC 28Phillip Gilder AM R 17Matty Warner AM L 19Danny Simmonds AM/F RC 29Danny Marney F RC 22Richard Brady SC 21Yemi Odubade SC 20Scott Ramsey SC 23Simon Rowland SC 24</pre>
Transfers as of August 1st, 2004
In
Matty Warner - Free
Phillip Gilder - Free
Richard Holmes - Free
So, now you've seen our collection of the best Eastbourne has to offer, now we can only hope that our very own Michael Hall with the guidance of Nick Greenwood can save this poor club from relegation. As I have said numerous times, it's going to be a tough time, but I know our brave Sports can pull it out. Until next time, your narrator.
The chinese food boxes cluttered the small table in Michael Hall's hotel room. A half eaten eggroll was all that was left on the paper plate that sat at the edge.
He poured over his latest notes, the last tid bits of the information he had collected about football, though he still slipped and said soccer much to the grief of the club. He had written out at least a dozen line-ups, formations in his head. Some Nick Greenwood had laughed at, others he agreed with, but Hall had not settled his mind. The lamp on the nightstand, and the beam of the TV were the only lights on in what seemed the entire city of Eastbourne, but this was routine. A deep night of studying, thinking and devotion about Eastbourne was now common place. His notebook was scattered with scratched-out lines, circles, and little notes about this player and that, but mostly it was filled with the things Nick Greenwood would mention in passing. The little things were the most important, Michael had figured.
The phone half-way startled Michael, knocking him out of his concentration, but the phone call was good news, he had learned to gauge. Chris Murphy, a twenty one year old forward from Cheltenham would be joining the Sports on a season long loan, great news for the young American as he looked to bolster his attacking force.
After the phone call, Michael went back to his work, scratching out yet another line-up until he finally gave up his efforts and closed the notebook for the night.
He couldn't believe it, he had been in so many major pressure situations, but he had never felt this way before. Two days until Eastbourne would play their first match in the Conference South and besides the few small hundred that would be affected by this game for at least a few days, it seemed almost meaningless. But Michael only had one thought.
"Why do I have butterflies?"
---
The look on Nick Greenwood's face said it all. Dismay filled his face as if a Christmas present was given to him early but it had only been coal. Things had started off so wonderful. Off the kick-off, Matt Smart had sent the ball out to Phillip Gilder who raced down the right side before sending a great cross to the nearpost where Richard Brady volleyed the ball in. It hadn't even been thirty seconds and Eastbourne were up. Nick Greenwood couldn't contain his excitement as he gave Michael Hall a shake and leapt up to cheer on the players. But Michael Hall didn't show any emotion, not that he wanted to. To be honest, Michael wanted to leap up from the bench, throw his fist in the air and shout as loud as he could, but that's not what managers did. He had watched video tapes, seen managers in the top flights not even bat an eye one way or the other, and he had to be the same.
Nick Greenwood's excitement took a hit in the 10th minute when an a great last ditch tackle by Kevin Hemlsey unfortunately fell perfectly for Dorchester's midfielder Joseba Barandiaran who placed his shot perfectly in the top right corner of the net. If it was only a jab, though, and the right hook came after a bad pass by Yemi Obudale led to a counter-attack finished off Mark Robinson in the 13th minute.
It had all gone wrong and Dorchester continued to knock on the doorstep and sought after a third goal, but Eastbourne escaped the half only down by one somehow after a Dorchester striker hit the inside of the post and the ball rolled along the goalmouth in the 45th minute.
But now Nick was as down as Michael had ever seen him. Only a minute into the half and Dorchester had put another one in. A mistake by Playford, who completely missed a tackle allowed a two-on-one attack for Dorchester and Warren Byerley made no mistake.
As soon as the goal went in, Michael Hall cursed, looked over to the bench and decided it was time to chase the game. In a knee-jerk reaction, he whispered to Nick his idea. Greenwood simply shrugged and half-way agreed. Nick waved his hand over to Chris Murphy, the brand new signing who did not look surprised by the gesture. He stood up and did a quick trot as Nick signaled Stuart Myall, the holding midfielder that he was switched out.
---
Michael Hall even found it hard not to celebrate when the ball hit the net for Eastbourne for the second time that half. His substitutes had seemed to work perfectly.
"We're in this lads! Get in there!" Nick Greenwood had yelled as Chris Murphy grabbed the ball out of the net. The move had paid off after Warner was sent free by Matt Smart and was allowed to do a perfect mirror image of the first goal done by his cousin and Richard Brady. Chris Murphy was on the end this team, and the lifeline was restored in the 59th minute.
If that move had made Hall look smart, his next made him look like a certified genius. Scott Ramsay was brought on for the frustrating Yemi Odubade right after Murphy's goal and in the 78th minute playmaker Danny Marney was brought into add life in place of Richard Brady. Only a minute had passed and after another beautiful cross by Matty Warner fell victim of a bad clearance, an Eastbourne Borough player fell on the loose ball and smacked the ball into the back of the net; of course, it was none other than Danny Marney.
All knotted up, Nick Greenwood couldn't contain his excitement anymore and was standing at the touchline making his pleasures clear. Michael Hall had to pull him back off the touchline to go over the tactics he wanted to place in to action.
The team drew back, playing a deep set 4-5-1 to try and slow down the very open game, and it seemed to pay off as the game came into stoppage time. And as most things seem to happen to Eastbourne, it came out of nowhere and was all a blur in Michael Hall's head.
He could only remember the minor details. Two minutes into stoppage time, the subbed on Danny Marney gathered the ball just on the Eastbourne side of the halfway line, then he was deep in Dorchester's half, then the ball was in the net.
Messages bounced in his head. Don't show emotion, show your confidence. Show that nothing effects you, but as soon as Nick shook him with that giant grin only Nick possessed, the words exploded...
After the heroics of the first match, our brave Sports came into their first home match under Michael Hall against promotion contenders Margate. After an edgy first fifteen minutes, we luckily found ourselves not down by a goal after several lapses in the defense went unpunished. But following the fifteen minutes, the game lost any sense of aggression as both teams were bottled down in the midfield. The magic of Danny Marney couldn't be repeated, though, he came agonizing close after his one-on-one opportunity was tipped around the post in the 90th minute. All in all, it was a decent result for Eastbourne as they managed to grab points from their first two matches.
Eastbourne Borough, 0 - Margate, 0
Notes on the game: Matty Warner was not a factor, and obviously without a strong performance on his part, the team struggled going forward. Odubade again wasted his opportunities and a few giveways by his bad passes openned up the Eastbourne backline.
The Attendance ar Priory Lane was 1517.
Best Performance: Stuart Myall played well today, breaking down several attacks and starting a few of his own. Worst Performance: Matty Warner was frustrating. Gave the ball away and never looked dangerous on the left wing.
Farnborough - Eastbourne Borough
Conference South League Match
Venue: Cherrywood Road
8/21/04
The game was a very tight affair. Michael Hall named another unchanged side(he's no Rafa) and both teams shared a few decent opportunties in the first thirty. Yemi Obudabe was sent through by Matt Smart in the 27th minute but he was unsurprisingly unable to finish. Let's just say, Michael Hall's reaction wasn't of joy and happiness. The game while edgy was very even but Farnborough stole a goal just before the halftime whistle. Stuart Tuck was beat by a run on the far post, where the man he marked(Robert Traynor) found himself free for a simple header that trickled by Lee Hook. That ten minute span showed the story of the game as only five minutes into the second half, Farnsborough found themselves two up, a Farnborugh's man again went unmarked in the box and Lee Hook had no chance from the ensuing header. In a knee jerk reaction Michael Hall tried desperately to throw on some attacking force, but no real pressure was ever put on Farnborough. Things only got worse when Matty Warner's frustrations got the best of him and a reckless challenge in the 91st minute forced the referee to give him his second yellow card on the night. Unfortunately, this referee was also not the same referee as the English World Cup representive and Warner was forced to leave the pitch. Farnborugh didn't waste the advantage with only two minutes left after the send off, for the third time a man was left unmarked in the box for a free header and sealed off a bad loss for our Sports.
Notes: Very even game, to be honest. We looked just as likely to score early on as they did, but marking on crosses is something that needs to be worked on. We can't allow free headers anymore, which was a small problem overlooked by decent performances in the past. This was not the case today and Farnborough exposed our weakness. Our subs were ineffective and so was our performance.
The Attendance was 696 at Cherrywood Road.
Best Performance: Phillip Gilder had a few decent runs, but had no support when he tried to send in his crosses. Worst Performance:: Matty Warner. His stupid sending off was bad, but he wasn't really adding anything to the game. Was very quiet in a tactic and formation that relies on him not to be.
Eastbourne Borough - Bognor Regis
Conference South League Match
Venue: Priory Lane
8/28/04
Murphy in for the suspended Warner and Simmonds makes the subs bench were the changes made by Michael Hall. Up against one of the other teams tipped to battle relegation this season, Eastbourne hoped for no less than a point as they hosted Bognor Regis, but expected more. The game didn't start off nearly as Michael could have wished, as Odubade and Brady competed for the "worst miss" award and the judges couldn't decide the winner. Then, as they should have been, Eastbourne were punished for their misfired chances as Bognor split open the defense with a few passes in the middle and Steve McMahon slotted the ball past Hook. And somehow McMahon had an identical chance only 4 minutes later and should have buried it but missed. But, if fate would show it's true colors, it did that day when Odubade was dispossesed in the 38th minute and Bognor made the frustrating striker pay for yet another mistake as Lee Hook failed to punch the ball out of his own box. Michael Hall finally fed up with his faith in Odubade, switched him out for Scott Ramsay and Nick Greenwood was the only thing keeping Michael Hall from giving Odubade his "real thoughts" about his performance. Danny Marney pulled the Sports back into the match in the 68th minute with a diving header that was on the end of a Chris Murphy cross. But a McMahon shot in the 75th minute took a bad deflection off Stuart Playford and skipped past Lee Hook to regain their two goal cushion. With only a minute left until the whistle, Eastbourne again fell victim to reckless play by one of their players when usually dependable, cool-headed Matt Smart recieved a second booking for a shirt-pulling incident.
Eastbourne Borough, 1 - Bognor Regis, 3
Danny Marney(68) - Steve McMahon(25,75) Chic Charnley(39)
Notes: Bad performance. Going into the game, one point should have been a given, but to give up three goals was pitiful. Eastbourne outshot Bognor 12-8, but in this case those numbers lied. The brave Sports need to finish off chances.
The Attendance at Priory Lane was 754.
Best Performance: Chris Murphy was a lone bright spot for the club in a game where everyone else played average at best, Murphy actually shone. With Warner's recent performances, Michael Hall has a choice to make. Worst Performance: Yemi Odubade. Wasteful. Starting to try the patience of Michael Hall.
In a table update, after 4 games Eastbourne currently sit 18th(out of 22) in the English Conference South with 4 points.
Chapman came in for the suspended Matt Smart, and Ollie Rowland, Darren Baker found themselves on the subs' list. In a poor start to the game, usually impressive full-back Richard Holmes completely missed on a sliding tackle as Kevin Cooper dribbled by him in the box and easily knocked the ball past Lee Hook. Carshalton's Neil Le Bihan simply slipped and gave the ball away, which our Sports set in motion a nice counter-attack that ended with a great cross by Matty Warner to Richard Brady who was denied by a nice save, but Danny Marney was there to pounce on the ball and pass it into the back of the net. About two minutes after halftime, huge questions were again brought up on Eastbourne's marking in the box as a run on the near post on a very undeadly cross was left alone and the Sports found themselves down again. But to surpise of Carshalton, Michael Hall, and even Yemi himself, substitite Yemi Odubade equalized at the 78th minute. He was sent through on a pass by Danny Marney and must have taken the very sarcastic advice by Hall very literally and did just as he was told. "Don't aim for the goal, just hit the friggin' ball at the keeper, I don't care. As long as it's on target." And Yemi did exactly that and smashed the ball through the legs of the Carshalton keeper to steal the tough point away from home.
Carshalton, 2 - Eastbourne Borough, - 2
Kevin Cooper(17), Neil Le Bihan(58) - [i]Danny Marney(35), Yemi Odubade(78)
Notes: Very happy with the point, but still trying to figure out the marking in the back.
The Attendance at the War Memorial Sports Ground was 349.
Best Performance:: Danny Marney, scored a goal and set up the final goal with a great pass. Has really cemented his place in the starting 11 after only a few performanced. Worst Performance: Matty Warner is just struggling and it continued today. He had one decent cross in the entire game and it was huge, but he is just not making himself a factor. He isn't touching the ball. He was subbed due to the annoyance of his manager at the 55th minute.
Eastbourne Borough - Cambridge City
Conference South League Match
Venue: Priory Lane
9/18/04
Smart was back from suspension and put Danny Chapman back on the bench as Eastbourne faced a very tough opponent in Cambridge City. But, the Sports stunned the away side early when hardwork by Brady earned the ball back for Eastbourne deep in Cambridge's half, a shot by Kevin Hemlsey took a deflection off Danny Marney and Marney claimed the goal. It was only 6 minutes later when Marney earned his own clear goal when a Matty Warner free-kick found his head on a run toward the back post. Marney knocked it across goal and past the Cambridge keeper to give Eastbourne the improbable two goal lead. And the patience with the defensive back by Michael Hall paid off as the team finally seemed to gel in the back and held out the very lethal attacking force of Cambridge for the rest of the game. The two goals in the first twenty minutes were enough to see the Sports to a very eye-openning two goal win.
Eastbourne Borough, 2 - Cambridge City, 0 Danny Marney(13, 19)
Notes: Great performance. The defense finally had a decent all around performance with no key lapses, the best chances of the night for Cambridge were shots well outside the box. In a fixture that Eastbourne would have been happy with a point, the three points were very unexpected.
The Attendance at Priory Lane was 974.
Best Performance: Danny Marney. A player that wasn't expected to do much at the beginning of the season has stunned everyone, even his own staff with his form. Six goals in six appearances(4 of which have been off the bench) Worst Performance: Chris Murphy. He had a chance in a very open game at the end to push a struggling Matty Warner for his starting spot but did nothing to help his cause.
Weymouth - Eastbourne Borough
Conference South League Match
Venue: Wessex Stadium
9/25/04
Riding high off their win over Cambridge City, Michael Hall fielded an unchanged side as they traveled to Wessex Stadium to face the 5-3-2 of Weymouth. Weymouth piled on the pressure early, and a sitter was completely misfired by their striker Kirk Jackson. Weymouth finally made their obvious advantage pay as a fine movement found Playford in no man's land where he was beaten by Marvin Brown who knocked the ball past Lee Hook, off the post and into the net. Richard Brady was sent through twice before halftime but was unable to finish both one on one chances. After halftime, a poor giveaway by Richard Holmes allowed Weymouth to take a comfortable two goal lead as Marcus Richardson converted from close range, but Eastbourne were not done. Marney was dragged down in the penalty box, and Matty Warner stepped up in a chance to pull Eastbourne back into the match; the ball sailed over the bar. With the miss fell the confidence of the squad and Eastbourne while playing better in the second half were unable to put any more decent pressure on Weymouth and a comeback never looked likely.
Weymouth, 2 - Eastbourne Borough, 0 Marvin Brown(34), Marcus Richardson(48)
Notes: Very poor start, but the team played much better in the second half. Frustrating that besides the penalty miss, Eastbourne never looked like really getting back into the match.
The Attendance at Wessex Stadium was 579.
Best Performance:Matt Smart played really well. Set in motion the few movements that actually looked lethal, and held the midfield very well after the introduction of Chris Murphy left him all alone in the center. Worst Performance: Richard Holmes, who has been very reliable this season had a very poor match. Made two major mistakes that led to both goals and was consistantly burned on the right side.
Eastbourne Borough - Hayes
Conference South League Match
Venue: Priory Lane
9/28/04
Richard Brady fell even past the subs' bench as Scott Ramsay was brought in to face Hayes, a team that sat at the very bottom of the table at 22. Despite a few decent chances by Eastbourne, the teams went into halftime with the score level at 0-0, with the Hayes 3-5-2 formation proving to be more frustrating than expected. Michael Hall decided to bring on Yemi Odubade at halftime to inject some pace into the attack, to hopefully create some holes. Yemi Odubade's entrance into the game came very close to paying off when Phillip Gilder's cross found Yemi unmarked but a brilliant save by Hayes' keeper kept the ball out. That save turned out to save the points for Hayes as Eastbourne left the match with only a point, or in this case a dropped two points.
Eastbourne Borough, 0 - Hayes, 0
Notes: Eastbourne dominated possession, dominated the game yet couldn't find the net. Hook and the defense were not bothered all game, yet the attack could not find the final ball to beat the Hayes' goalkeeper.
The Attendance at Priory Lane was 1086.
Best Performance: Matty Warner. He sent in many good balls, but the men in the box were unable to capitalize. He looked very good which was a very welcome sight to Michael Hall. Worst Performance: Scotty Ramsay had his moment to shine and he blew it. He had 4 good chances in the first half and he botched each one in increasingly impressive ways. He was subbed at halftime for Yemi Odubade and that tells alot of his performance.
Benny Bailey hopped over the chain-link fence that seperated the training pitch from any passer-byers. With the small journal in hand, Benny used his other hand to hold down his cap as he raced down the small hill that concluded on the edge of small flat area that was known as the "training location" of the brave Sports of Easbourne Borough. As he reached the bottom of the hill, he slowed himself to a brisk walk as he made his way toward a closer view of the squad in their training exercises.
Benny was twelve, wide-eyed, brown scruffy hair that was hidden by his very large hat. A thin boy, he stood in a crouching posistion as Phillip Gilder sent another cross into the box and the Eastbourne players stumbled and fell over eachother. With a very calm reaction, Michael Hall simply stood up from where he was watching the action and coolly walked away from the action. He turned, gave one last look at the chaos that was each Eastbourne player trying to pull themselves to their feet, and continued his walk away from the training area. His march continued past were Benny Bailey sat, and young Benny wouldn't allow such a missed oppurtunity.
"Mr. Hall, sir, Mr. Hall, I'm a big fan, sir."
Michael surprised by the little boy that seemed to appear out of thin air simply said, "I'm sorry."
Trying to make himself look larger than his skinny frame showed, Benny Bailey drew a deep breath, whipped out a small journal and said in the most serious voice he could muster in his high squeaking vocal chords.
"What are your thoughts on the Boreham Wood draw in the FA Cup?"
"What are you doing? Are you a reporter or something, kid?" Michael said with not just a small scent of sarcasm.
"Why, yes, sir, my name's Benny Bailey, I'm a sports journalist," Bailey said, sticking out his chest with pride while his hat slipped forward covering his eyes.
"Well, got to start sometime, I suppose."
"I'm very good, sir, I just have a few questions, it won't take long."
"Well, if you'd like to talk to someone, you could talk to some of the players, I really have nothing to say, especially for your young ears right now."
"I'm twelve and a half, sir!"
"That's great, kid, but now's not the time. But I tell you what, if you want to ask a few player's some questions, after we are done here, go for it."
And with that, Michael Hall drew out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it, taking a nice long first drag.
---
Michael and Benny watched as the players took part in another drill. Phillip Gilder slid the ball out to his cousin Matty Warner, who proceeded to juggle the ball with his feet. Yemi Odubade slid into the dancing Warner, knocking the ball free. Warner gave a push to Yemi, and Yemi responded by tackling Warner. Shouts rang out from the small field as players piled up throwing punches, tossing eachother around, and Michael Hall only sighed as he took the cigarette out of his mouth.
The Road to Glory 
Linear Mode
